Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray goes seven strong against Seattle

(7/28/15) Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray rebounded nicely Monday from his worst start of the season. But his bullpen cost him a victory.

Ray, who couldn't make it out of the fifth inning last Tuesday, pitched through seven in Seattle. He gave up just two runs on six hits with two walks and eight strikeouts, which tied a season-high.

He pitched shutout ball through five, but a Logan Morrison RBI single in the sixth and Robinson Cano homer in the seventh narrowed his lead to 3-2.

Ray has five quality starts in his last six outings.

Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray finally clobbered Wednesday

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(7/23/15) Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray was due for a dud. And he got one against the wrong mound opponent Wednesday.

Matched up against sensational Marlins left-hander Jose Fernandez, he gave up four earned runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. Ray walked three and fanned four.

His failures began in the second inning when a double and walk were followed by a J.R. Realmuto double, sacrifice fly and Fernandez double that made it 3-0. An Ichiro Suzuki triple and Martin Prado single tallied two more and all but ended his night.

Ray now owns a season-high 2.72 ERA.

Diamonbacks' Robbie Ray solid in no-decision vs. Giants on Friday

by Jason Lempert | Staff Writer

(7/18/15) Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray had a decent outing against the Giants on Friday, allowing two runs on right hits over five innings. But he was left with a no-decision when the bullpen coughed up a 5-2 lead late in the game.

Ray, who struck out eight without issuing a walk on Friday, gave up individual runs in the second and fifth innings, but the high strikeout total resulted in 99 pitches through his five frames.

Ray has been solid all year, as Friday's performance actually increased his ERA to 2.29. He has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his nine starts this season.

D-Backs push back Hellickson's next start, announce post-break plans

by Sean d'Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(7/12/15) The Diamondbacks pushed back pitcher Jeremy Hellickson's next start to July 21, reports MLB.com. Hellickson has a blister on his right thumb, but he was able to throw a bullpen session Sunday.

2014 summary:Robbie Ray came over to the Tigers from the Nationals last offseason in the Doug Fister trade, and he was called up for his major league debut barely more than a month into the season. He served as an injury replacement in the rotation during two stretches -- one in May and one in August. His first two starts went well, as Ray allowed one run over 11 1/3 innings, but his next four starts produced a 12.89 ERA. Ray spent most of the season with Triple-A Toledo, where he posted a 4.22 ERA in 19 starts and one relief appearance. After just one season, the Tigers sent Ray packing, trading him to the Diamondbacks as part of a three-way deal involving the Yankees.

Playing time status: Ray could be a contender for the fifth spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation.

2015 outlook: Though Ray entered last season as one of the Tigers' top pitching prospects, he took a step backwards in his only year in the organization. Ray didn't make much progress on the control issues that have hampered him throughout his minor league career, and he was too hittable both in Triple-A and in the majors. Ray is worth drafting or keeping in dynasty formats due to his potential, but he can be passed over in all single-season leagues until he shows signs of progress.